The role of cadmium oxides in the enhancement of radiation shielding capacities for alkali borate glasses

The radiation shielding capacity of 80B₂O₃–(20-x) Na₂O–x CdO (where x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 mol%) cadmium-doped sodium borate glasses was evaluated. The linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of the studied glasses was simulated using the Monte Carlo simulation code (MCNP-5) for gamma photons with energy between 0.01 and 15 MeV. Other pivotal gamma ray shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), half value layer (HVL), effective atomic number (Z_eff), and buildup factors (EBF and EABF) for the selected cadmium-doped sodium borate glasses were examined. The achieved data showed that, BNC 8 glass with CdO contents of 14 mol % possesses the highest LAC and varied between 0.0650 and 83.636 cm^-1 and also it has thinner HVL than other BNC glasses and varied between 0.008 and 10.686 cm for gamma ray energy between 0.01 and 15 MeV. Moreover, the removal cross sections of fast neutrons (Σ_R) were also calculated theoretically for the selected cadmium-doped sodium borate glasses. The obtained data shows that the insertion of CdO appears to enhance gamma ray and neutron shielding capacity. BNC8 with CdO content (14 mol%) was found to possess the best shielding parameters among the studied cadmium-doped sodium borate glasses.     

The role of PbO/Bi2O3 insertion on the shielding characteristics of novel borate glasses

Impacts of lead and bismuth oxides insertion on a novel glass system of P₂O₅, B₂O₃, Li₂O, Al₂O₃ according the formula 25B₂O₃–25P₂O₅–10Li₂O–5Al₂O₃–5ZnO-xPbO+ (30-x)Bi₂O₃, x = 5,10, 15, 20, 25 mol%. The mass attenuation coefficient (μ_m = μ/ρ) simulated between 0.015 and 15 MeV using MCNP and calculated theoretically using Phy-X/PSD program. Based on the simulated μ_m, other significant parameters such as linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half and tenth value layer (HVL, TVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective atomic number (Z_eff) were calculated for fabricated glasses. The G-P fitting methods were used to calculate the exposure and energy absorption buildup factors (EBF and EABF) for fabricated glasses. Furthermore, fast neutron removal cross sections (Σ_R) were calculated theoretically for fabricated glasses. The prepared glasses were effective shielding material which can reduce fast neutrons as well as gamma rays.     

Influence of Bi2O3 concentration on barium-telluro-borate glasses: Physical,structural and radiation-shielding properties

In this study, a series of Bi₂O₃ reinforced bariumtelluroborate (TBX) glasses with the nominal composition 20TeO₂ + (50-x)B₂O₃ + 29.5BaO + xBi₂O₃ + 0.5Er₂O₃ (where x=0,5,10,15 and 20 in wt%) were manufactured using traditional melt-quenching method. The structural and compositional studies were performed by using XRD and FTIR spectra. In general, the glass matrix consists of the trigonal-planar and tetrahedral units of borates, tellurate and tellurite groups of tellurites, and the non-bridging oxygen (nBO). In addition to that, BiO₃ and BiO₆ groups are present in top-order glasses. The gamma-ray shielding (γ-RS) ability was evaluated through the vital parameters like the mass-attenuation coefficient (MAC), mean free-path (MFP), half-value layer (HVL), and effective atomic-number (Z_eff). TB20 glass is happened to be the best candidate by giving the highest value for MAC and the lowest MFP and HVL, owing to its large density, 6.922 g/cm³. The fast neutron-removal cross-section (∑R) is assessed to investigate the neutron shielding capacity of TBX glasses. The γ-rays shielding properties of TBX glasses were observed better than some ordinary shields such as barite-concrete and commercial shielding glasses developed by SCHOTT Company.     

The impact of Gd2O3 on nuclear safety proficiencies of TeO2–ZnO–Nb2O5 glasses: A GEANT4 Monte Carlo study

This work was carried out to specify the effect of Gd₂O₃ on the gamma and neutron radiation shielding capacities of tellurite rich glasses with 75TeO₂+15ZnO+(10-x)Nb₂O₅+xGd₂O₃ (TZNG), where (x = 0, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 mol%) nominal composition. The mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) of the studied glasses were acquired with GEANT4 Monte Carlo codes and the results were found to match the theoretical Phy-X values. Next, the variables of Effective atomic number (Z_eff), Half Value Layer (HVL) and Mean Free Path (MFP) were calculated employing μ/ρ values. According to the corollaries, the increment of Gd2O3 insertion to the tellurite based glasses was enhanced the μρ and Z_eff values for total photon, electron, proton and alpha interactions whereas it was dropped the HVL and MFP values. It is also observed that the total stopping powers of the glasses for electron interaction were declined. The geometric progression (GP) approximation was employed to determine the exposure buildup factor (EBF) for the proposed glasses. The EBFs showed the lowest values for TZNG-E glass with 2.5% mole Gd₂O₃ addition. Finally, the fast neutron reduction capacity of the TZNG glasses was surveyed by calculating the effective removal cross-sections (Σ_R) of the glasses. It is determined that the Σ_R values increased with enhancing Gd₂O₃ content since the addition of Gd₂O₃ increased the glass density. Consequently, the TZNG-E glass with the highest Gd₂O₃ additive is the more skillful nominee for gamma-ray and neutron security applications among the investigated glasses.     

Radiation attenuation and optical features of lithium borate glasses containing barium: B2O3.Li2O.BaO

The influence of BaO on the optical characteristics and nuclear radiation shielding properties for 60B₂O₃-(40-x)Li₂O-xBaO: x = 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mol% glasses was investigated. Various optical parameters such as optical transmission and reflection loss (T^Optical, R^Loss), molar refraction and molar polarizability (R^Molar, α^Molar), optical and static dielectric coefficients and metallization criterion (ε^Optical, ε^Static, M^Criterion), and metallization property according to refractive index and optical energy gap (M(n^Linear), M(E^Optical)), were determined. The results confirmed that R^Molar changes directly with α^Molar, while T^Optical changes inversely with R^Loss. The mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) was investigated using WinXCOM software and the results showed that all the S1–S5 glasses have good attenuation ability at 284 keV due to their high mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ). The highest and lowest values of μ/ρ occurred at 284 keV and 1.33 MeV respectively and varied between 0.1055 and 0.1361 cm²/g and 0.0526–0.0534 cm²/g. The linear attenuation coefficient (μ) increased with the gradual addition of BaO from glass S1→S5. The results showed that the effective atomic number (Z_eff) for S1 is almost constant, while S5 possessed the highest Z_eff values. The half value layer (HVL) was estimated and the effect of BaO on this parameter was analyzed. At 284 keV, the HVL values were 2.8192, 2.3847, 2.1597, 1.9687 and 1.8936 cm for S1–S5 glasses respectively. The S5 sample possessed the least HVL, and accordingly, had better attenuation capabilities than the S1–S4 samples. Therefore, lithium borate glasses with high concentration of BaO can be applied in several optical and medical applications.     

Effect of CdO addition on photon,electron, and neutron attenuation properties of boro-tellurite glasses

This research article aims to study the effect of CdO addition on the radiation shielding characteristics of boro-tellurite glasses in the composition of 50B₂O₃ - (50-x) TeO2- xCdO, where x = 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mol%. These glasses were exposed to gamma radiation and the transmitted gamma photons were evaluated for energies varying from 15 keV to 15 MeV using Geant4 simulation toolkit. The number of transmitted photons was then used to characterize the gamma shielding for the studied glasses in terms of linear/mass attenuation coefficients, MFP, Z_eff, and HVL. The simulation outcomes were theoretically confirmed by using Phy-X software. The beta (electron) shielding characterization of the involved glasses was also investigated by determining the projectile range and stopping power using ESTAR software. Additionally, the fast neutron shielding characterization of the glasses was achieved by evaluating removal cross-section (Σ_R). The results reveal that the CdO has a small influence on the shielding performance of the boro-tellurite glasses against gamma, beta, and neutron radiations. The shielding performance of the boro-tellurite glasses was compared with that of common shielding materials in terms of MFP. It can be concluded that the boro-tellurite glasses regardless of the concentration of CdO content have promising shielding performance to be used for radiation applications.     

Influence of Bi2O3/WO3 substitution on the optical,mechanical, chemical durability and gamma ray shielding properties of lithium-borate glasses

Six different lithium bismuth boro-tungstate glasses with chemical composition 20Li₂O-(20-x)Bi₂O₃-xWO₃-60B₂O₃ (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mol%) were produced by the quenching method. Then, the glasses were investigated by means of their optical, mechanical, chemical durability and gamma ray shielding properties. Measured values of density and ultrasonic velocities were used to determine the elastic properties of the glasses. The optical band gap determined using the absorbance spectrum fitting (ASF) model was found to decrease under Bi₂O₃/WO₃ substitution. The presence of BO₃, BO₄, BiO₆, and WO₄ structural groups in the glasses was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The dissolution rate in the glass 20Li₂O–15Bi₂O₃–5WO₃–60B₂O₃ (LBWB5) was found to be 10 times lower than 20Li₂O-20Bi₂O₃– 60B₂O₃. Mass attenuation coefficients (MAC) values of the produced glasses were determined using the MCNPX Monte Carlo code and Phy-X/PSD program. The photon attenuation parameters such as half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Z_eff), exposure buildup factor (EBF) and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) were also studied. The obtained results showed that Bi₂O₃/WO₃ substitution has a direct impact on the photon attenuation abilities of produced glasses. More specifically, HVL values increased from 0.252 × 10^?2 cm for LBWB0 glass to 0.275 × 10^?2 cm for LBWB5 glass. However, different trends were observed for the photon buildup factors for the produced glasses. It can be concluded that the produced glasses have promising structural, optical, and photon attenuation properties to be used for gamma shielding applications.     

Effect of Bi2O3 on mechanical features and radiation shielding properties of boro-tellurite glass system

This paper focuses on the effect of Bi₂O₃ content (up to 80 mol%) on mechanical features and radiation shielding characteristics of boro-tellurite glasses within TeO₂–B₂O₃–Bi₂O₃ system. The basic mechanical parameters such as oxygen molar volume, packing density, hardness, and elastic moduli were studied based on Makishima–Mackenzie's theory. The shielding studies of the TeO₂–B₂O₃–Bi₂O₃ glasses included gamma, electron and neutron radiations. The newly developed Phy-X/PSD program and Geant4 simulation were used to calculate the shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), stopping power (ψ_e)), removal cross section (RCS), CSDA range, effective atomic number (Z_eff), and half value layer (HVL). The concentration of Bi₂O₃ content had a significant effect on the gamma shielding competence of the investigated glasses. Form the results of gamma shielding studies, the highest μ/ρ (99.845 cm²/g) occurred at 0.015 MeV for TBB80 and the lowest μ/ρ (0.039 m²/g) occurred at 4 MeV for TBB40. The maximum values of Z_eff for gamma interaction occurred at 0.02 MeV and they were 77.26, 78.81, 79.94, 80.80, and 81.48 for TBB40, TBB50, TBB50, TBB60, TBB70, and TBB80, respectively. The gamma shielding features of the investigated glasses were compared with those of various ordinary concretes, and Pb-free, Pb-based, and commercial glasses. The Bi₂O₃ content had also a considerable influence on the electron shielding competence of the tested glasses. The maximum values of Z_eff for electron interaction occurred at 14 MeV and they were 44.58, 47.72, 50.41, 52.75, and 53.73 for TBB40, TBB50, TBB50, TBB60, TBB70, and TBB80, respectively. The results revealed that the bismuth boro-tellurite glasses could be useful for the shielding against gamma, electron, and neutron radiations, wherein the Bi₂O₃ content can be balanced according to the type and energy of radiation.     

Synthesis and study of structural,optical and radiation-protective peculiarities of MTiO3 (M = Ba,Sr) metatitanate ceramics mixed with SnO2 oxide

In this work, series of novel metatitanate ceramics mixed with SnO₂ (BTO, STO, BTO@SnO₂, STO@SnO₂) have been successfully prepared via the solid-state reaction route. The XRD patterns indicate that the BTO, BTO@SnO₂ crystallized into the tetragonal structure, where a cubic structure was obtained for STO and STO@SnO₂ ceramics. The refinement of the data revealed a variation in lattice parameters of the ceramics. The optical properties were analyzed by using an ultra–visible spectrophotometer. The results showed that values of optical band gap E_g are in the range of 3.0–3.3 eV for all ceramics. Moreover, the radiation shielding factors were reported and the results demonstrated that there is a decreasing tendency in the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) as the energy changes from 0.2234 to 2.506 MeV. From the LAC results, the BaTiO₃ ceramic is the most influential at blocking radiation. The half-value layer (HVL) was examined and we found a notable difference between the HVL of the four prepared ceramics. BTO has the least HVL and takes the range 0.725–4.53 cm between 0.2234 and 2.506 MeV. HVL minimum value is obtained at 0.2234 MeV for all compositions and equals 0.725, 0.895, 1.559, and 1.265 cm for BaTiO₃, BTO@SnO₂, STO, and STO@SnO₂ respectively. The change in the transmission factor (TF) of the fabricated ceramics against the energy and the thickness is discussed, and we found that the four ceramics have the minimum TF at 0.2234 MeV and the greatest at 2.506 MeV. The TF for BTO is 56.31% at 0.2234 MeV, 73.76% at 0.356 MeV, 80.25% at 0.511 MeV and 91.3% at 2.506 MeV. The TF results suggest that the fabricated ceramics are good attenuators at low energies. The radiation shielding results confirmed that the prepared ceramics can be exploited as good candidates for radiation shielding applications.     

Evaluation of the radiation shielding capabilities of the Na2B4O7–SiO2–MoO3-Dy2O3 glass quaternary using Geant4 simulation code and Phy-X/PSD database

The important gamma and neutron radiation shielding parameters of the Dy³⁺ doped (65-x)Na₂B₄O₇–15SiO₂–20MoO₃-xDy₂O₃ (x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 mol%) glass quaternary system were investigated to provide decisive information for their application in radiation environment. Gamma and neutron attenuation properties of the glass systems studied here were evaluated in terms of the mass attenuation coefficient (μ_m), transmission fraction (TF), half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Z_eff), exposure buildup factors (EBF) and fast neutron removal cross-section (∑_R) parameters. Investigation of the each aforementioned parameter was performed thanks to the utilization of Monte Carlo simulations along with the Phy-X/PSD database. The photon attenuation characteristics were evaluated for gamma ray energies varying between 0.284 and 5.0 MeV. This study indicated that increase of the Dy₂O₃ content from 0% to 20% mole, enhances the gamma shielding capability due to the increase of the parameters μ_m and Z_eff. In this study it was also observed that ∑_R increases from 0.099 to 0.107 cm⁻¹ as the molar fraction of Dy₂O₃ increases.     

Radiation attenuation properties of Bi2O3–Na2O– V2O5– TiO2–TeO2 glass system using Phy-X / PSD software

The purpose of this work is to investigate the effect of increasing Bi₂O₃ mol% on the radiation shielding parameters of tellurite glass system with the formula Bi₂O₃–Na₂O– V₂O₅– TiO₂–TeO₂ by using Phy-X/PSD computer software between 15 keV and 10 MeV. The results showed that the attenuation factor is very large at 15 keV. The mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) at 15 keV lies within the range of 55.96–67.03 cm²/g for the selected samples. The μ/ρ for the investigated samples at 10 MeV is in the range of 0.0365–0.0392 cm²/g. The results also revealed that the addition of Bi₂O₃ enhances the effective atomic number (Z_eff) and the sample corresponding to the lowest and highest amount of Bi₂O₃ (coded as TeBTi1 and TeBTi6) has the lowest and highest Z_eff. Moreover, Z_eff has high values between 15 keV and 0.1 MeV and the maximum Z_eff occurs at 0.1 MeV (equal to 61.01, 62.67, 64.10, 65.34, 66.44 and 67.41 for TeBTi1– TeBTi6 samples respectively). The half value layer (HVL) increased when the energy changes from 15 keV to 10 MeV and the lowest HVL occurs at 15 keV for the sample coded as TeBTi6 and equal to 0.0025 cm, while the HVL at this energy for TeBTi1 is 0.0056 cm. Also, we calculated the tenth value layer (TVL) for the present system and we found that TVL reduces with the increment of Bi₂O₃ content, and the sample corresponding to 22 and 0 mol% of Bi₂O₃ and TiO₂ respectively namely TeBTi6 possesses the lowest value of TVL, thus has the best radiation attenuation performance in comparison to other selected glasses. Also, we evaluated the effective removal cross-sections of fast neutrons (∑_R) for the investigated glass system and we found that the ∑_R values increase with increase the concentration of Bi₂O₃.     

Mechanical and nuclear shielding properties of sodium cadmium borate glasses: Impact of cadmium oxide additive

In this study, highly effective radiation shielding glass materials with different amount of CdO additive were investigated in terms of nuclear shielding performance. Moreover, mechanical properties have been determined. The μ_m values were computed using XCOM and XMuDat program. The gamma and neutron shielding parameters such as μ_m, HVL, Z_eff, EBF, EABF, SAFE, b_co, b_ico, σ_co and σ_abs are calculated to understand the radiation shielding performances of investigated glasses. The results show that μ_m, Z_eff and σ_abs values increase as the CdO content increases. The S7 sample has the lowest HVL, MFP, EBF, EABF, SAFE, b_co, b_ico and σ_co values. Therefore, S7 glass sample (70 mol% of CdO) which has also the highest number of bonds per unit volume can be considered as a superior material for radiation shielding applications. The outcomes of this study can be very useful for future applications of investigated glass materials in medical and industrial radiation fields.     

Bioactive glasses and direct effect of increased K2O additive for nuclear shielding performance: A comparative investigation

This study aimed to provide a large-scale investigation on direct effect of K₂O additive nuclear radiation shielding properties of calcium phosphate based bioactive quaternary P₂O₅–CaO–Na₂O–K₂O glasses. A gamma ray attenuation setup has been modeled in MCNPX (v-2.6–0) simulation code using Monte Carlo simulation technique. Next, all the bioactive glasses have been defined considering their chemical properties and material densities, respectively. The mass attenuation coefficients (MAC) have been calculated by using MCNPX code and obtained results have been used for determination of another vital gamma-ray shielding parameters. Moreover, a detailed calculation has been done for determination of exposure buildup factor (EBF) and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) of investigated bioactive glasses which should be considered as important parameters for interaction properties of ionizing radiation with material environment. In addition, effective removal cross sections for fast neutrons have been calculated. To compare our results, obtained HVL values of the present investigation have been compared with copper oxide and cobalt oxide substituted bioactive glasses. Among the investigated bioactive glasses, the maximum MAC values were reported for PCNK60 sample with higher K₂O additive. It can be concluded that chemical structure of additive materials in the bioactive glasses is strongly related with the radiation attenuation properties of bioactive glasses.     

Physical Properties,Optical band gaps and Radiation Shielding Parameters Exploration for Dy<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-doped Alkali/Mixed Alkali Multicomponent Borate Glasses

Six compositions of 1 mol % Dy³⁺-doped multicomponent borate glasses containing single Li₂O, Na₂O, K₂O and mixed Li₂O–Na₂O, Li₂O–K₂O, and Na₂O–K₂O oxides have been synthesized by well-known melt-quenching technique. Following the measured density and refractive index values, various physical parameters were estimated for all the glass samples and differences in them are correlated with structural changes. To explore optical properties like absorption edge (λ_cut-off), optical band gap energy (E_opt), and Urbach energy (ΔE), optical absorption spectra were recorded for all the glasses. The E_g has been calculated using Davis and Mott theory for direct allowed, and indirect allowed transitions and the results were reported. The E_g values are also estimated using absorption spectrum fitting (ASF) method. The optical parameters variations have also been associated with the structural changes occurring in the glasses with different alkali/mixed alkali oxides content presence. The shielding properties of the prepared glasses were studied in terms of effective atomic numbers (Z_eff), mean free path (MFP), half value layer (HVL) and macroscopic effective removal cross-section (Σ_R). From these results, it was found that Potassium (K) glass shows superior gamma ray shielding properties due to a higher value of Z_eff and lower values of both MFP and HVL. These results indicate that the prepared glasses might be utilized in place of some common shielding materials to shield γ-rays and neutrons.     

Radiation attenuation properties of bioactive glasses doped with NiO

This paper focuses on the evaluation of the radiation attenuation properties of 15CaF₂-10CaO-5B₂O₃-(65-x)P₂O₅-xNiO-5BaO (where 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0 mol%) bioactive glasses. The radiation attenuation features of these glasses were investigated by determining different factors including mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ), exposure and absorption buildup factors (EBF and EABF), neutron removal cross section (NRCS), and effective atomic number (Z_eff) for photon, proton, and carbon ion interactions. Geant4 toolkit and Phy-X program were employed for simulations and calculations procedures. The results revealed that NiO content in the studied bioactive glasses has a significant effect on photon interaction and an insignificant effect on the charged particle interactions. The Z_eff values of the studied glasses were observed in the range of 18–20 for photon interaction, 10.7–10.9 for proton interaction, and 10.0–10.7 for carbon ion interaction. The NRCS values were 0.087, 0.088, 0.089, 0.090, and 0.091 cm^-1 for x = 0, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 mol%, respectively. The studied bioactive glasses showed a good ability to attenuate gamma radiation at energies of medical applications.     

Surveying of Na2O3–BaO–PbO–Nb2O5–SiO2–Al2O3 glass-ceramics system in terms of alpha,proton, neutron and gamma protection features by utilizing GEANT4 simulation codes

In this study, nuclear shielding qualities of glass-ceramics with chemical composition Na₂O₃–BaO–PbO–Nb₂O₅–SiO₂–Al₂O₃ containing different amount of BaO and PbO were investigated. The μ_ρ values were simulated using GEANT4 toolkit at 0.015–20 MeV wide energy range and the obtained results were verified by theoretical WinXCOM results. The variables such as μ_ρ, HVL, MFP, Z_eff, N_eff, EBF and EABF were computed to determine the gamma-ray shielding performances of studied glass ceramics. The results revealed that increase in PBO and BaO percentages in glass samples has caused to decrease the HVL, MFP, EBF and EABF values and increase μ_ρ, Z_eff values. It has been seen that N28 and S24 samples own superior protection ability against gamma radiation. In addition, the shielding capacity of these glass ceramics against charged and uncharged particles were predicted by determination of MSP and PR values for alpha, proton and ΣR values for neutrons. It has been concluded that PbO and BaO addition improve radiation shielding competences of glass ceramics. The data obtained from this study will be beneficial for designing glass ceramics shields for radiation protection enforcements.     

Effect of bulk and nanoparticle Bi2O3 on attenuation capability of radiation shielding glass

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of Bi₂O₃ concentration and particle size on Bi₂O₃ glass. The tested glasses had the composition of SiO₂–Bi₂O₃–CaO–MgO–B₂O₃–K₂O–Na₂O–ZnO. Ordinary glass was compared with glasses with 10% Bulk Bi₂O₃, 10% Bi₂O₃ Nanoparticles (NPs), 20% Bulk Bi₂O₃, and 20% Bi₂O₃ nanoparticles. The mass attenuation coefficients (MACs) of all the investigated glasses were determined between 0.0595 MeV and 1.41 MeV. The results demonstrated that increasing the Bi₂O₃ content in the glass matrix improved their shielding capability, as well as showing that the NPs provided greater attenuation than the bulk Bi₂O₃ at the same concentration. The percent increase in the MAC between the bulk and nano Bi₂O₃ was also calculated and analyzed. From the MAC values, the LAC of the glass was determined and similar results were found compared to the MAC figure. The HVL and MFP of the glass were then analyzed and the results demonstrated that the glass with Bi₂O₃ NPs attenuated the same amount of photons at a smaller thickness, making the NP shield more effective. The heaviness of the samples illustrated that all the tested samples have a smaller weight than pure lead, making them more desirable. The attenuation factor of the glass (Att. Factor %) showed that increasing the Bi₂O₃ content in the samples and increasing the thickness of the shields both improve the shielding capability of the glass. Lastly, the d_lead of the glasses was determined, indicating that the greatest reduction in thickness occurs near the K-absorption edge of bismuth. Overall, the glass with 20% Bi₂O₃ NPs demonstrated to have the greatest potential for radiation shielding applications.     

Gamma and neutron shielding characterizations of the Ag2O–V2O5–MoO3–TeO2 quaternary tellurite glass system with the Geant4 simulation toolkit and Phy-X software

Gamma and neutron shielding potential of the newly developed xAg₂O-(35-x)[0.5V₂O₅-0.5MoO₃]-65TeO₂ (x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mol%) quaternary tellurite glass system were investigated computationally by means of Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations and Phy-X software. Gamma ray shielding capabilities were studied via the mass attenuation coefficient (μ_m), transmission fractions (T), effective atomic number (Z_eff), half value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) parameters and for the photon energies of 0.284, 0.356, 0.511, 0.662, 1.173 and 1.330 MeV. Fast neutron removal cross-section (∑_R) parameter of the glasses was calculated to assess the neutron shielding capabilities. The results of this study revealed that tellurite glass containing 25% moles of Ag₂O has highest μ_m and Z_eff and lowest T, HVL and MFP values due to the high atomic number of Ag. In this study it was also seen that the ∑_R of the investigated glass system increases with the increase of Ag₂O fraction and ∑_R values of the studied glasses are higher than barite added concrete and close to the ∑_R of the PbO added borate glasses.     

An extensive investigation on gamma-ray and neutron attenuation parameters of cobalt oxide and nickel oxide substituted bioactive glasses

This study aimed to investigate the gamma-ray and neutron attenuation parameters of cobalt oxide and nickel oxide substituted ten bioactive glasses. The mass attenuation coefficient ($\text{μ}/\text{ρ}$) for the selected bioactive glasses was calculated using MCNPX code in photon energy range (0.02?MeV - 20?MeV) and the results were compared with the output of WinXcom software. Other vital gamma-ray attenuation parameters such as half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Z_eff), and effective electron density (N_el) for the selected bioactive glasses were also calculated for each approach. Gamma-ray and neutron transmission factors as well as neutron effective removal cross-sections of each bioactive glass (ΣR) were also taken into consideration to underline the distinctive parameters. Additionally, exposure buildup factor (EBF) values were found with G-P fitting approach depending on the energy and penetration depths. The results points that, the lowest HVL, TVL and MFP values and the highest neutron effective removal cross-sections (Σ_R) values are the characteristics of NiO4C and CoO-4. The results indicate that the density of the material affects the photon and neutron interaction parameters. While NiO4C has the lowest TF values for both gamma and neutron radiation, the highest Σ_R values are collected from NiO4C glass material. The gamma and neutron transmission factors (TF) of the studied bioactive glasses support the aforementioned results. The lowest Z_eff values were generated for 45S5C and 45S5 ordinary glasses, while CoO-4 and NiO4C doped glasses are having the highest values of Z_eff. EBF values of the glasses were also calculated in the energy range 0.015–15?MeV up to 40 mfp. The smallest EBF values were measured for CoO-4 and NiO4C glasses. It can be concluded that NiO4C bioactive glass outperformed compared to other studied samples and is a promising bioactive glass for gamma-ray and neutron attenuation.     

Gamma,neutron shielding and mechanical parameters for lead vanadate glasses

Alkali lead vanadate glasses with moderate concentrations of PbO were prepared and analyzed to test their use as promising candidates for radiation shielding. The physical parameters of these glasses are specified and discussed in details. The code MCNPX was utilized to determine the mass attenuation coefficient μ_m that is used to evaluate the interaction of radiation with shielding materials. The results were then compared with the values collected from the XMuDat program and XCOM. The simulation results overlaps and highly correlated with XMuDat and XCOM. In addition, the results showed that μ_m, the effective atomic number (Z_eff), removal cross-sections, (Σ_R) and experimental results of the prepared glasses increase, while the half value layer (HVL), exposure and energy absorption build-up factor (EBF and EABF) values decrease with the increase of lead oxide (PbO) content from 30 to 45 mol%. In order to maximize the benefits from the determination of the radiation factors, the experimentally determined physical parameters and the elastic coefficients of this type of glass were also calculated.